Employee Spotlight – Rony Sanon

Rony Sanon, Operations Coordinator, has worked for Gas South since 2008, when he transitioned from his role as a contractor to a full-time employee. Originally from Haiti, Sanon now resides in Marietta and says he appreciates the importance of using personal experiences to contribute to the community.

As an operations coordinator at Gas South, Sanon manages processes and reports, as well as a plethora of other duties that help the business operation run smoothly and efficiently. He also acts as liaison between Gas South and its third-party vendors, ensuring that relationships are maintained and everyone communicates their needs and goals clearly.

Sanon took some time out of his day to explain why he makes it a priority to volunteer in his community – and how doing so impacts his work at Gas South.

What projects and community organizations do you work closely with? And how long have you been working with these organizations?

I spend my weekends volunteering as a coach with Diamonds and Pearls Football Club (DPFC). DPFC is a girls’ soccer club. We use soccer as a tool to teach character building, academic excellence, and sportsmanship. I’ve worked with the soccer club since 2008, and it has been totally fulfilling. Although DPFC is located in East Point, I love being able to contribute to the community at large.

Why is community involvement important to you?

Community involvement has been an eye-opening experience for me. Volunteering with the girls at DPFC benefits the children I serve, but it is equally beneficial to me. Knowing that soccer teaches these girls lifelong skills makes it all worthwhile. I spent many days of my childhood playing soccer in Haiti, and the sport improved my character—now I can help others have that same experience.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering in the community?

Volunteering allows me to escape my day-to-day life and allows me to focus on others. I enjoy using my own experiences and skills to teach others. Since I already have soccer expertise, it’s easy for me to teach and make a big difference in the lives of the young girls at DPFC. Working with the girls quickly reminds me of how lucky I am. I have been given much in life, so I believe it’s important to give back as well. And I learn a lot from these girls.

How has community engagement affected your role at Gas South?

Gas South strives to create a culture of caring, while contributing to the social fabric of our community. I follow the same principle at DPFC: using soccer as a vehicle to do good things and improve character. The goal of teaching character building, the importance of academic excellence, and using your own personal excellence to improve the workplace are all important to Gas South. The volunteer work that I do outside of the workplace only helps to improve my performance in the workplace.

What would you tell other Gas South employees who are considering becoming more involved in their communities?

Go for it. Community involvement is worthwhile, and the personal rewards are truly priceless. The small act of giving your time is priceless. You live in the community, so don’t just take from it. You should also give back to the community in which you live. It’s all a circle: you take from it, give to it, and you will receive something in return.